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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterized by breathing difficulties due to poor airflow or blockage of the airways passages. The main symptoms include labored breathing, shortness of breath, and cough with sputum.  If left untreated, it may worsen over time.

Causes

Following are the causes:

  • Smoking
  • Exposure to lung irritants, such as smoke
  • Poor ventilation in homes
  • Sheesha smoking
  • Respiratory infections
Risk factors

The following are the risk factors:

  • Genetic or family history
  • Frequent exposure to lung irritants
  • Working around dust, fumes, and chemicals
  • Severe respiratory infections
  • Asthma
  • Respiratory disorders, such as Emphysema
Symptoms

The following are the symptoms:

  • Frequent occurrence of breathlessness may start off as labored breathing only during strenuous exercises; may progress to breathlessness even at rest
  • Persistent coughing with or without sputum
  • Frequent chest infections
  • Perpetual wheezing
Diagnosis

The diagnosis for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is made when a doctor examines the patient physically and checks relevant symptoms. The doctor may also perform certain lab tests.

A simple test, known as the Spirometry Test, may be performed which measures how deeply an individual can breathe and how fast air moves into and out of the lungs. 

Management

Following is the management:

  • Cessation of smoking
  • Avoidance of exposure to lung irritants
  • Annual flu vaccination or regular vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia 
  • Medicines
  • Light breathing exercises

Please consult your doctor for further information.

When to consult a doctor?

Early diagnosis can lead to effective and successful treatment. If your symptoms do not improve within 10 days, or you experience persistent breathlessness and discomfort, please see a doctor.

 

Available Medicine for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Tiovair 18mcg

Rs.233.33

Highnoon

Tiovair-F 18 mcg / 12 mcg

Rs.330.2

Highnoon

Tio-Veez 18mcg

Rs.100

Macter